Nov 17 is the newEST.
The first legal battle over a former Trump advisor refusing to participate in a congressional investigation took place on Wednesday when Steve Bannon entered a not guilty plea on two counts of contempt of Congress.
Steve Bannon is speaking before introducing a Republican at a farm. Joe Raedle is the photographer.
The images are from the same company.
The plea was made in a court filing on Wednesday, and it was waiving his right to an indictment on Thursday.
The grand jury indicted Bannon on one count for failing to appear for a deposition before Congress and another for failing to hand over documents, both of which were required by a subpoena.
On Monday morning, he surrendered to the FBI.
If found guilty of contempt, he could face up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
The committee is likely to pursue contempt charges against former White House Chief of Staff MarkMeadows for not cooperating with the investigation.
Trump encouraged his former aides not to cooperate with the investigation.
The House Select Committee is investigating the January 6 rioting and has subpoenaed dozens of former Trump Administration officials. After receiving the subpoena, he said he would refuse to comply because he had executive privilege. Donald Trump is locked in a court battle with the committee over an executive privilege claim, in an attempt to block the committee from retrieving White House emails, memos and other records as part of the investigation. The committee began contempt proceedings against Bannon on October 19 after rejecting his request. The House voted 229-206 to recommend charges from the Justice Department last week, after the bipartisan committee unanimously voted to hold Bannon in contempt.
Surprising fact.
Since 1983, the first person to be indicted for contempt of Congress has been Bannon.
What to watch for.
The committee subpoenaed 16 former Trump officials, who were required to give over documents and appear for a deposition as part of the January 6 investigation. The officials have until November 23 to turn over documents or face contempt charges.
The FBI is in contempt of Congress case and has hired Trump's impeachment attorney to defend him.
Steve Bannon was indicted for contempt of Congress after he refused to comply with Subpoena.
The House is in contempt for refusing to comply with the Subpoena.
Stephen Miller and Kayleigh McEnany were subpoenaed by the House.
